Navratilova departs in silence after losing doubly in doubles

Martina Navratilova returned in search of a record 21st Wimbledon title but left the All England Club with a tear in her eye. The 49-year-old rock of women's tennis crumbled on Court No2 yesterday as she and mixed doubles' partner Mark Knowles made a meek 7-5, 6-1 third-round exit against Andy Ram and Vera Zvonareva.

The crowd gave Navratilova a standing ovation as she departed but the veteran was in no mood to milk the applause for one final time. In fact, she did not even hang around for a post-match press conference. Navratilova's mood last night could only be a matter for speculation but she was unlikely to have been chuffed with losing in both the mixed and ladies' doubles in the space of a five hours.

The defeat brought down the curtain on an illustrious career that has spanned four decades and included 61 singles and doubles grand slam titles. The victory she craved at this year's championships would have moved her clear of the 20 Wimbledon titles she and Billie Jean King have both won and level with Margaret Court on 62 grand slam triumphs.

Navratilova spoke earlier this week of claiming her retired persons discounts and a WTA pension when she turns 50 in October but her true quest was to pick up one final piece of silverware.

The result can hardly be classed as failure and the three crucial breaks in yesterday's defeat were all on Knowles's serve. Navratilova seemed sluggish but that could be explained by the 6-4, 4-6, 0-6 defeat with Liezel Huber by the Chinese pair of Zi Yan and Jie Zheng hours earlier.

Navratilova will undoubtedly return to Wimbledon in years to come as a commentator or even as coach but her exit - silent and defeated - was uncharacteristic of her career. Often willing to comment on a variety of issues inside and outside the game, Navratilova continued to debate the hot topic of equal prize money at Wimbledon until her departure.

The fact that she usually enjoys the spotlight makes her refusal to speak all the more confusing. For now, spectators must script their own farewells to arguably the most successful competitor ever to step inside the All England Club.